The best bloomin' gardens in the borough have been named by Merton Council.

A pub, school wildlife garden, hanging basket, allotment and balcony are among Merton in Bloom prizewinners.

Wimbledon Village husband-and-wife team Lynda and Stephen Prior were crowned king and queen of allotments after winning top prize for their bountiful beds on the Havelock allotment.

Mr Prior said: "We were surprised and absolutely delighted to win the best allotment in Wimbledon for the second year and also the best in Merton."

The couple, who got their allotment eight years ago, grow a variety of fruit, vegetables and flowers, including cabbages, brussel sprouts, potatoes and raspberries.

Maria Kyriacou, who won the cup for best allotment in Morden said she was surprised to win but thought she deserved it after many hours toiling the soil to grow vegetables for her grandchildren.

The 74-year-old has grown vegetables with her husband, Peter, on an allotment in The Paddock, Raynes Park, since 1974.

Best bloomin' pub went to the White Hart in Mitcham, best school wildlife garden was awarded to Wimbledon Chase Primary School and best community garden went to the Baitul Futuh Mosque in Morden.

Judges visited nominated green spaces in July and August and announced the winners at an awards ceremony in council chambers last week.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor Agatha Akyigyina, said: "The Merton in Bloom awards are a great way to acknowledge the effort that our local people put into their gardens and green spaces, making the borough a more green and beautiful place."

Merton in Bloom forms part of the Royal Horticultural Society Britain in Bloom competition.